Coastal Therapeutic Riding Program (CTRP)What is CTRP?Slide 3CTRP Needs You!!Coastal Therapeutic Riding Program (CTRP)Kim Niggel: Program Director and Lead Instructor910-470-04903507 N. Kerr Ave       Wilmington, NC 28405What is CTRP?•The Coastal Therapeutic Riding Program is a regional non-profit organization•A member of the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA). •Therapeutic horseback riding provides physical, emotional, and social enrichment to children and adults with special needs. •The rhythmic action of the horses' gaits relaxes and strengthens riders' muscles and improves body tone, posture, balance, joint mobility, and coordination. •Sitting proudly on the back of a friendly horse, riders experience the thrill of independence for perhaps the first time in their lives. •The therapeutic effects of horseback riding have been documented for centuries•However the idea began to attract attention from the medical community in 1952 when Denmark's Liz Hartel won an Olympic Silver Medal in Dressage despite having partial paralysis from polio. •Today, more than 30,000 children and adults enjoy the benefits of therapeutic horseback riding.What do Volunteers Really do?•Assist with:• Supporting instructors with lessons:•Cooperating with individuals via interactive play•Facilitating individuals in expanding physical flexibility•Encouraging riders to utilize their vocabulary to strengthen their language and communication skills• Maintaining the overall appearance and operation of the facility•Attending to equine care• Promoting fundraiser events  We get more out of it than we give! CTRP Needs You!!•Spread The Word! –Tell others about therapeutic riding and CTRP•.Volunteer!–We need enthusiastic individuals to work with our horses and riders.  –No experience with horses is required!  –We will happily train those who want to learn basic horsemanship and share the joy of helping students learn how to ride. – We also need help with our various fundraisers.•Support A Rider!–We need individuals, civic groups, sororities, fraternities and church groups to sponsor riders. –The cost to sponsor a rider is $25 per lesson. Most riders ride weekly and our sessions are about eight weeks long, weather permitting.•Become a Member!–Your tax-deductible donation will make a difference!  –Funds will be used to purchase equipment and supplies.  –The center has a variety of needs including safety helmets, specialized saddles, bridles, grooming tools and, of course, supplies to keep our horses healthy and happy. –Donations are always welcome                      